Fashion Friday featuring Queen of Heartz

Hello my loves and Happy Fashion Friday! This week I will be featuring one of my all time favorite pinup brands Queen of Heartz Apparel. 

Pearl Earring and Necklace set: Gift/Similar

Dress: Queen of Heartz Now I have a few dresses from QoH but I have to say this might be my most favorite. The 60’s silhouette is incredibly flattering and immediately evokes a seriously Joan Holloway vibe, and the bengaline material is both comfortable and supportive so hooray for smooth lines! Normally I end up ordering a Medium in most of Letty’s  pieces (my measurements are 36″ 27.5″ 36″) but I do find sometimes they can be just ever so slightly loose, so I opted to size down to a small since this dress is rather stretchy and I am glad I did because this little diddy fits like a glove! I also happen to think this dress would be the perfect holiday season dress, its sexy enough for glitzy parties but the higher neckline and beautiful navy blue color makes it appropriate enough for family gatherings, and who doesn’t like duel duty pieces?

Shoes: Gift from Miss Amy May (Tutorial) or Similar

I hope you all enjoyed this post and that you check out Queen of Heartz for all your holiday party dress needs! Cheers!

Fashion Friday Featuring Kenley Collins

Hello my darlings. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are slowly but surely coming out of your turkey induced coma’s. Or if you’re one of those people who go Black Friday shopping I hope you got away without being trampled or having a panic attack. But I have to inform you there is one more thing that needs to be put on your Christmas list. You need to get yourself some Kenley Collins goodness.  Kenley is a prime example of why buying from a designer is such an excellent idea. All the cuts, lines, and silhouettes are carefully and artfully executed, because true designers understand that a fun print isn’t enough to carry a dress. But Kenley definitely likes her fun prints too, so if you like classic and flattering silhouettes but still want fun and unique prints and patterns look no further than Mrs Collins. Her new line an American Geisha is especially fun and unique, but is still classic enough to not look kooky. So do yourself a favor and check it out, odds are you need a new holiday party dress and while everyone else is wearing the bland LBD’s you can be rocking a colorful and lovely Kenley Collins original. Having a light snack of foliage…as one does.

and because there’s no such thing as too many silly photos.

Pearls: Gift/Similar

Dress: Kenley Collins Oh this dress though! As any woman knows getting a strapless dress that stays put and looks good is damn near impossible. But this dress flies in the face of reason and says ‘no I will stay put, I wont look like a towel wrapped around you post shower, I will be elegant and lovely, because I have wonderfully supportive boning in the bodice’. I could not be more in love with this dress, the construction is nothing short of miraculous, the print is BEAUTIFUL, size chart is totally on the money accurate, and the material 100% cotton so its machine washable!!! I know that may not seem like a big deal to some people but since I’m still a child I hate having to go to the drycleaners 😉 Thank you Kenley. I love you and your gorgeous (yet practical) designs!

Shoes: Miz Mooz

I hope you all enjoyed this post, and that you check out Kenley’s beautiful new line. Happy Friday my loves!

Fashion Friday Featuring Parisxox

Phew I didn’t know if I was actually going to be able to keep my promise for continued fashion posts this week, things got a little hectic, but I made time for a shoot yesterday, and might I just say how thrilled I am to be sharing it with you all. This week’s post is featuring the classically beautiful shoes from Parisxox! Shoes really are the icing on the cake when it comes to any outfit, and when these shoes just so happen to be “made for” one of your most favorite dresses you know the shoe gods are smiling down on you 😉

Oh goodness gracious these heavenly heels make me happy enough to dance…they’re also comfortable enough to do so in. Score! Parisxox deals mainly in wedding shoes but that doesn’t mean you have to wait til you are tying the knot to get in on the fun. Whether it be a prom, a performance, a formal, or a “I just want some gorgeous shoes day” you cannot go wrong with ordering a pair of lovely shoes from Arbie Goodfellow. Finding the right shoe in the right color is no easy task but thankfully Parisxox changes all that, there are over 100 different shades to choose from, different heel heights and shoe structure, and great add ons and customization to ensure you will be getting everything you wanted and more!
One silly picture for good measure 😉

Earrings: Gift you can get a similar pair from Claires for cheap or if you prefer you can spring for cultured pearls from Macys.

“Fur wrap”: Its actually a faux fur throw blanket haha but RetroVintageWeddings actually has a rather lovely vintage faux fur wrap

Gloves: Gift but you can get a pair from Ebay

Dress: Time Machine Vintage

Heels: Parisxox I am through the roof happy with my heels, I love their classic old Hollywood shape, vibrant Riviera Turquoise blue color, and that they just so happen to have the perfect amount of sparkle to them as well. I’m not into big and flashy but that doesn’t mean I want boring either. Arbie completely understand the fine line between festive and over the top, she has such an amazing eye for detail and is such a joy to talk to. You can really see all the passion and creativity that go into Parisxox pieces and I HIGHLY recommend you consider them for your next shoe purchase.

I hope you all enjoyed this post and that you have a wonderful weekend. Happy Friday!

Fashion Friday Featuring Heart of Haute Pt. 1

This week I will be featuring Heart of Haute, an incredible clothing company who makes their pinup inspired pieces with “Love and No Regrets” meaning you can feel good about your purchases. No sweatshop labor and it’s all made in the USA! How stellar is that? This San Dimas California based company specializes in 50’s and 60’s style clothing, from tops to skirts and wiggle to swing dresses they have it all, and in a myriad of beautiful prints I might add 😉

Adorable with or without a cardigan…but 33 degrees without any extra covering is bit too intense for this southerner. trying desperately to stay warm.

Quick dress twirl then a dash inside to escape the cold.

Pearls: Macy’s

Cardigan: Old Navy bought it years ago but they still have similar ones available.

Dress: Heart of Haute  This dress is positively beautiful, I am so infatuated with the neckline! I love that just hanging on to the shoulder’s look, and because of the adjustable elastic sleeves it can be worn a little more off the shoulder if you’re looking to be extra daring 😉 The cut of this dress is phenomenal, it accentuates everything you want it to, yet hides what is typically not our best asset, if you want to make that previous statement into a pun feel free haha. Not only is this dress 100% cotton which I love, but its a sturdy cotton. Don’t you hate when your clothes are thin as crepe paper? This dress is built to last, quality construction, sturdy fabric, and a silhouette that will NEVER go out of style. I received a size small and because of the elastic in the arms it fits beautifully. My measurements are 36″ 27 1/2″ 36″ so I should technically be a medium but the small fits me just fine. However keep in mind if the dress you choose has “restricted” construction (no stretch) I’d go with what the size chart says just to be safe. I am absolutely thrilled with this dress and will be wearing it often.

Pantyhose: Nordstrom

Shoes: DSW  I know you’re probably tired of seeing these shoes but what can I say? They are my go to pinup shoes, not too high of heel, all weather wearability, and a lovely shade of red.

I hope you all enjoyed this post and that you check out Heart of Haute . Happy Friday I love you guys!

Fashion Friday Featuring Queen Of Heartz Pt. 1

This week’s Fashion Friday will be featuring Queen of Heartz, an amazing clothing company specializing in 1940’s and 1950’s styled pieces. Queen of Heartz was created by the incredibly talented Letty Tennant. Originally Letty was making her gorgeous pieces out of her garage for friends in the Los Angeles pinup scene. Well inevitably word got out and everyone wanted one of Mrs Tennant’s designs. Local boutiques started carrying her stock and her popularity grew even more. So being armed with an eye for detail, and the education of a design graduate from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in LA Letty Tennant set out on her next adventure and established Queen of Heartz in 2001.

All of Queen of Heartz products are made locally in Los Angeles and Orange County with the greatest care and finest textiles, plus on top of all that should you have a special occasion or just the desire to, you can commission a custom piece! Just consider Letty and her team your own personal pinup Fairy Godmother 😉

http://www.queenofheartz.com/

Being as it is the new year I say we all resolve to be a little more glamorous everyday, buy quality, and start putting together the wardrobe we’ve always wanted, and I can think of no better place to make that happen than Queen of Heartz.

 This dress is gorgeous with or without a petticoat!

Hair Flower: Claires http://www.claires.com/store/us/goods/hair/cat1260200/barrettes+%26+clips/p75182/rose+barrette+hair+clip+with+feathers/

Pearls: Macy’s http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/sterling-silver-freshwater-pearl-necklace-bracelet-and-earring-set?ID=324942&cm_mmc=Google_Jewelry_PLA-_-Jewelry+PLA+FS_Ad+Group+%232-_-21231719103_-_-_mkwid_IBGtfBhs|d{device}_21231719103%7C-%7CIBGtfBhs

Dress: Queen of Heartz. This dress is no longer offered on their site but it is offered on their ebay site http://www.ebay.com/itm/Queen-of-Heartz-PINUP-VINTAGE-RETRO-Swing-Skirt-Sateen-Dress-BLACK-Various-sizes-/171204658260 If your size doesn’t seem to be available in this dress, there are similar dresses that are just as incredible on their official site. The Priscilla http://www.queenofheartz.com/priscilla.html the Brenda http://www.queenofheartz.com/brenda-175.html and the Celeste http://www.queenofheartz.com/celeste.html are my favorite alternatives. Honestly whatever your choice you cannot go wrong, every single thing offered by Queen of Heartz is enough to make any vintage lover swoon, and I’m not just talking for us ladies, they carry things for you gentlemen too, how great is that? The historically accurate details are like nothing I’ve ever seen, all the beauty of vintage but without the mysterious stains and the smell of mothballs 😉 Also I found the size chart to be very accurate, my measurements are 36″ 27 1/2″ 36″ and the medium size dress fits like a dream. Hooray for accurate size charts! This company is simply perfect end of story.

Petticoat: Malco Modes http://www.malcomodes.biz/petticoats-petticoats-Jennifer-p/582.htm

Panytyhose: Nordstrom http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/nordstrom-back-seam-pantyhose-3-for-30/3490453?origin=related-3490453-null-1-1-FTR-RR&BaseUrl=Sheers&PageCategoryId=BR

Heels: DSW http://www.dsw.com/shoe/kelly+.and.+katie+caris+pump?prodId=272553&activeCats=cat10006,cat20006

I hope all enjoyed this post and that you check out Queen of Heartz http://www.queenofheartz.com/ . Love you guys Happy Friday!

Fashion Friday Featuring Malco Modes

This week’s Fashion Friday will be featuring Malco Modes. Malco Modes is a 100% made in the USA establishment that specializes in petticoats, underskirts, crinolines, pettipants, and even square/western dance apparel. All of the garments are hand-sewn and made with the highest quality materials, ensuring not only a beautiful piece but one that is also made to be sturdy enough for dancers and performers. There is a great variety of pieces to choose from, but if you cannot find quite what you’re looking for, you can give this Eastern Tennessee based company a call and they will do a custom order for you! How great is that? I cannot encourage you enough to give this company a try. You will not be dissapointed http://www.malcomodes.biz/default.asp

So I am still waiting on a swing dress to arrive in the mail (curse you Dallas Icestorm) but I wasn’t going to let that stop me from showing you all my beautiful new petticoat. So being as it is an “undergarment” I decided to have a bit of fun and do a “getting ready” type shoot.

Pearl necklace and earrings: Birthday present. But Macy’s has an excellent deal on a freshwater pearl set http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/sterling-silver-freshwater-pearl-necklace-bracelet-and-earring-set?ID=324942&cm_mmc=Google_Jewelry_PLA-_-Jewelry+PLA+FS_Ad+Group+%232-_-21231719103_-_-_mkwid_IBGtfBhs|d{device}_21231719103%7C-%7CIBGtfBhs

Crop top: Charlotte Russe which no longer has any but Forever 21 has some wonderful options http://www.forever21.com/Search/SearchResult.aspx?dsNav=Ntk:primary%7cpolka+crop+top%7c3%7c,Ny:True,Ro:0,Up:regular&dsDimensionSearch=D:polka+crop+top,Dxm:AllPartial,Dxp:3&dsCompoundDimensionSearch=D:polka+crop+top,Dxm:AllPartial,Dxp:3&keyword=polka+crop+top&fromsearch=true

Petticoat: Malco Modes http://www.malcomodes.biz/petticoats-petticoats-Jennifer-p/582.htm I must shout it from the rooftops, this petticoat is a fluffy cloud of perfection. The beautiful nylon chiffon is incredibly soft, but the double layer gives that wonderful fullness one so desires! Plus the adjustable waist and length make it a piece that is versatile, so no need buy tons of different petticoats. Of course after you experience this petticoat you might feel the need to buy more colors 😉

I am over the moon thrilled with my petticoat and I hope you all give Malco Modes a look. Happy Friday guys I love ya!

Fashion Friday featuring Go Insane

This week’s Fashion Friday will be featuring Go Insane a wonderful company that specializes in 40’s/50’s pinup, rockabilly, and punk inspired pieces that any vintage/alternative fashion lover would be thrilled to have! I came across this Würzburg Germany based company through twitter of all places. Within a matter of seconds of perusing through their products I had determined I wanted EVERYTHING! Skirts, dresses, cardigans, jewelry, etc… Go Insane has it all, and not just for the ladies, they carry men’s clothing as well! http://stores.ebay.de/go-insane
Clearly I couldn’t get everything they offer 😉 So I landed on their Hibiscus Swing Dress. I don’t know that I’ve ever loved a dress so much. The print is classic, the cut is positively perfect, the full skirt hides any sort of issue one might have with their hips, the cinched in waist gives that glorious hour-glass shape, and the keyhole detailing adds just the right amount of flirtation. *This may be TMI* but I like to give you ladies as much info on products as possible, I was a little concerned about the adorable keyhole being an issue because basically all bras will show, but this dress was well thought out, the bust of this dress is well lined for modesty. Hooray for no undergarment concerns. My measurements are 36″ 27 1/2″ 36″ so I ordered a medium and the dress fits just how I like, there is enough room for me to take really deep breaths (my ribcage can really expand you guys) but the dress doesn’t look too big when I am relaxed. Flower Clip: Bough it at a craft fair but Claires has a similar one http://www.claires.com/store/us/goods/hair/cat1260200/barrettes+%26+clips/p65480/glitter+edge+flower+clip/

Pearl Necklace: Birthday present http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/sterling-silver-freshwater-pearl-necklace-bracelet-and-earring-set?ID=324942&cm_mmc=Google_Jewelry_PLA-_-Jewelry+PLA+FS_Ad+Group+%232-_-21231719103_-_-_mkwid_IBGtfBhs|d{device}_21231719103%7C-%7CIBGtfBhs

Cardigan: H&M http://www.hm.com/us/product/06981?article=06981-I

Swing Dress: Go Insane http://www.ebay.de/itm/oldschool-Hibiskus-Hawaii-Flower-SWING-Petticoat-Kleid-Petticoatkleid-/390603140865?pt=DE_Damen_Kleider&var=&hash=item99b36d0457

Wedges: Bought em years ago at Payless Target has wedges with a similar heel http://www.target.com/p/women-s-mossimo-vergie-sculpted-wedge-tan/-/A-14428244#?lnk=sc_qi_detaillink and a pair more suited for the cooler weather http://www.target.com/p/women-s-merona-mackenzie-suede-wedge-pumps-light-tan/-/A-14465528#prodSlot=large_1_9

I hope you all enjoyed this post and that you check out Go Insane http://goinsane.rakuten-shop.de/ Happy Friday!

Halloween Costume Ideas.

Halloween the perfect excuse to wear something fun, eat candy, and spend time with friends. Unfortunately Halloween can also be scary…scary expensive. Costumes can be quite costly, and if you’re like most people you aren’t going to wear it again next year. You’re dropping a lot of cash for a “one wear” outfit. So I decided to throw together a few looks with things most of you ladies will already own, or at the very least can wear again.

For the adventurous type: Pirate.

I feel like a pirate is probably the easiest of looks to pull together but still really deliver! It’s all about detail, a few fake wounds, some schmutz on your face, and plenty of layered jewelry are what take this look over the top.

What you’ll need:

Bandana: Target has a two pack for $5 http://www.target.com/p/merona-men-s-2pk-bandanas-assorted-colors/-/A-14371263#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=bandana

plenty of gold necklaces: I like this one from Forever 21 http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=acc_jewelry-necklace-chain&ProductID=1021839361&VariantID=

Gold bangles: http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?Br=F21&Category=ACC&ProductID=1000045918&VariantID=

White Peasant Blouse: http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/style-co-top-three-quarter-sleeve-pleated-peasant?ID=917107&CategoryID=255&LinkType=#fn=COLOR%3DWhite%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D27%26kws%3Dpeasant%20blouse%26slotId%3D5

vest: http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/Double-Breasted-Military-Vest/242942.uts

Black pants: I’m actually just wearing yoga pants cause they’re comfy. http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=558342022

Pashmina or scarf to tie around your waist: http://us.cottonon.com/shop/product/montana-scarf-black/

Boots: I am in love with these from Charlotte Russe http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/Shoes/Boots-Booties/entity/pc/2115/c/0/sc/2656/239937.uts?refinementValueIds=1576&sortByColumnName=SortByArrival?colorCode=301482160_200

For the country loving: Cowgirl

Just a little ankle slappin dancing 😉

What you’ll need:

Cowboy hat if you want one that is: http://www.cavenders.com/western/cowboy-hats/western-fashion-hats/dorfman-pacific-fashion-cowboy-hats/CAVKCF2XR

Any button down shirt will do, but I prefer gingham: Target has this adorable top that’ll work wonderfully http://www.target.com/p/xhilaration-juniors-tie-front-roll-sleeve-top-assorted-colors-and-patterns/-/A-14393981#prodSlot=medium_1_3&term=gingham

Bandana: http://www.target.com/p/merona-men-s-2pk-bandanas-assorted-colors/-/A-14371263#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=bandana

belt: http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?Br=F21&Category=ACC&ProductID=2020523428&VariantID=

Denim shorts: http://www.jcpenney.com/women/shorts-capris-/shorts/levis-taryn-mid-length-denim-shorts/prod.jump?ppId=pp5002641391&cmvc=JCP|dept20000013|cat100250098|RICHREL&grView=&eventRootCatId=&currentTabCatId=&regId= or jeans if its cold http://www.jcpenney.com/women/jeans-/ana-thick-stitch-jeans/prod.jump?ppId=pp5002830358&cmvc=JCP|dept20000013|cat100250096|RICHREL&grView=&eventRootCatId=&currentTabCatId=&regId=

Cowboy boots: http://www.target.com/p/women-s-mossimo-supply-co-kaci-western-boot-assorted-colors/-/A-13971594#prodSlot=medium_1_12&term=cowboy+boots

For the glamour girl: Holly Golightly

This is by far one of my favorite looks. Cause seriously who doesn’t want to channel Audrey Hepburn?

What you’ll need:

Sparkly hair pins or small tiara: http://www.claires.com/store/us/goods/claire%27s+club/cat1260282/dress+up/p52588/mini+tiara+hair+comb/  http://www.claires.com/store/us/goods/sale/cat1260122/jewelry/p26853/crystal+butterfly+and+flower+bobby+pins+set+of+6/ So I know not every girl has a tiara lying about, but most of us have those sparkly hair pins from prom, I just stacked the pins for a makeshift tiara.

Sparkly earrings: http://www.claires.com/store/us/goods/jewelry/cat1260162/earrings+/p62150/crystal+flower+and+teardrop+drop+earrings/

Black catseye sunglasses: http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=18846980&parentid=W_ACC_SUNGLASSES

Pearls: I ended up layering two different pearl necklaces and added a brooch because that’s what I had, but sam moons has a lovely option http://sammoon.com/items_amj.asp?tempcat=necklace_statement&img=09132013_422_MG_5937&tbl=necklace_statement&cat=jewelry&id=1617

Gloves: Another thing I had left over from prom http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Stretch-Satin-Elbow-Length-Glove-25105_Accessories-Sashes-and-Coverage-Options-Gloves these aren’t necessary cause honestly not many people will wear them again, but since I had em I wore them for the shoot.

Little Black Dress: The beauty of this costume is just about any little black dress will do and most of us girls have a little black dress. But if you dont H&M has this gorgeous lbd for only $10! http://www.hm.com/us/product/14519?article=14519-A

Black shoes: I went with flats for comfort but if you want go for some lovely heels that are reminiscent of what Audrey wore http://www.hm.com/us/product/06850?article=06850-C

I hope you all enjoyed this post! If you try any of the following looks be sure to take a picture and share with me! Heck even if you don’t choose one of these looks take a picture and share, hearing from you guys always brightens my day! Have a great weekend and a Happy Halloween.

Fashion Friday (Easter Sunday)

Easter Sunday was lovely, the weather was nice (cloudy in the morning but warm) the food was wonderful (brisket makes this Texan happy), and I got to see my big brother, sister-in-law, and beautiful nephew! It was a great day and if I say so myself I managed a great outfit, but I’ll let you guys be the judge of that.

Obviously my photographer (little sister) makes me laugh.

Flower hair clip: Claires I think?

Earrings and Necklace: Gift from my mom for my 20th birthday (almost cried when I got them)

Dress: Target isn’t that place amazing?

Bracelet:Gift so I’m not sure where it’s from.

Ring: Bought it at a pow wow.

Shoes: Payless. I almost never wear them though, the don’t stay slung back 😦 oh well

I hope you all enjoyed this post and that you all had a wonderful Easter. Did any of you dress up for it? Get a visit from the Easter bunny? Or anything else fun you care to share? I love hearing from you guys. Happy Friday!

“We’ll Always Have Paris”

WARNING! this post contains a lot of pictures! If you have very little patience for people who feel the need to over-document events in their life this post is not for you!

Hello Guys! Sorry I’ve been MIA for a while, but I have a good excuse…I was helping plan my 20th! Ya I guess that may not be a great excuse…but it’s my party and I’ll slack off if I want to. So normally I never do anything terribly over the top for my birthdays, but for my 20th I wanted to do something with a bit of umph, a fun, slightly glamorous, but still laid back-ish in style party. So I decided I would throw a French (Parisian) inspired dinner party, with some of my closest friends. I had such a blast planning, cooking, and spending time with my great friends! I am sort of a foodie so this party was the perfect excuse for me to cook all of the fussy dishes I wouldn’t normally prepare, like French Macaroons, those are some work! But lucky me I have a loving family so I didn’t have to do a lot of the work on my own. So enough talking I am sure you would much prefer to see what my party looked like so here ya go.

We strung up lights and set the table in the living room, so we had plenty of space.

This is the gorgeous flower arrangement my mother put together, might I add she said she has “never done arrangements before”. So even without training or practice my mother puts Martha Stewart to shame!

These are the awesome posters that we found for 60% off!

We decided to even decorate the front door area!

Our adorable little sandwich board. PS mommy wrote this! How cute is her handwriting?

Now for my favorite part…the food! These are the French Macaroons.

The gorgeous red fondant raspberry cake my mommy made me. Isn’t she just the best?

The delicious cheese tray.

Tapenade in endive leaves.

Our entire cocktail menu. Bloody Mary’s, tapenade in endive, cheese tray, and prosciutto wrapped around cantaloupe and asparagus. It was all incredibly delicious.

Quite possibly the most delish dish I have ever made…Boeuf Bourgingon and mashed potatoes. It was so good my mother who really detests beef, loved this meal like crazy!

Tea and coffee break. I of course had tea yummy 🙂

Then onto dessert cake and Shirley Temple’s.

Gifts! My sweet mommy got me real pearls for my 20th! Cute thing was when she gave me my gift I was wearing my fake pearls 🙂

This necklace was given to me by my very best friend (we’ve been inseparable for the past 11 years). This necklace is either from the late 50’s or early 60’s. And I am not ashamed to say when she gave me this I got pretty choked up.

I also got some other fabulous gifts too, I made out like a bandit, I received some lovely perfume (which I am wearing right now) and some great cards and cash (you can never go wrong with cash is all I am saying).

My great friends and lovely family honestly made this one of the most special birthday’s ever! I love you guys.

So I hope you guys enjoyed my post! And if any of you want the recipe to anything feel free to ask. Have a super happy Monday and a great Valentines. Love you!